Undiscovered Argentina: Hidden Patagonia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Remote and dramatic, the breathtaking setting of Argentine Patagonia provides a dramatic backdrop to this exceptional trekking adventure. Blessed with some of the most spectacular natural beauty anywhere in the Americas, this wild and irresistible landscape is filled with immense glaciers, turquoise lakes and some of the most powerful mountain vistas on earth.
Following a brief stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic and exciting capital, your journey takes you on to the town ...
Remote and dramatic, the breathtaking setting of Argentine Patagonia provides a dramatic backdrop to this exceptional trekking adventure. Blessed with some of the most spectacular natural beauty anywhere in the Americas, this wild and irresistible landscape is filled with immense glaciers, turquoise lakes and some of the most powerful mountain vistas on earth.
Following a brief stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic and exciting capital, your journey takes you on to the town of El Chaltén, deep in the heart of the Los Glaciares National Park. This will be your base for two full days of trekking through the World Heritage landscapes of one of Patagonia’s most renowned national parks. A drive along Argentina’s famous Ruta 40 then brings you to the impressive wilderness of the Perito Moreno National Park, home to some of the country’s most striking mountain scenery.
After trekking around the stunning Lake Belgrano peninsula and to the summit of Monte Leon you then return to the world by way of El Calafate, located on the southern shores of Lago Argentino. Here, the tour concludes with a visit to the vast ice fields of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Get up close to the magnificent Pertio Moreno glacier via boat
- Trek amongst the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park
- Drive along part of the lengendary Ruta 40, Argentina’s very own Route 66
- Hike around the stunning Lake Belgrano peninsula in the Perito Moreno National Park
- Take in breathtaking views from the summit of Monte Leon
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with impressive views of Mount Fitzroy
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
DAY 1: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, your private guide and driver will be waiting to meet and greet you before taking you to settle into your hotel in the trendy Palermo district. You can then take things easy for the rest of the day, giving you the chance to rest after the long arrival flight and before the active itinerary ahead.
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES - EL CHALTEN
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES - EL CHALTEN
Leaving the bustle of Buenos Aires behind, fly down to El Calafate this morning in the heart of Argentine Patagonia. On arrival, your private, local guide will then be waiting to transfer you to the town of El Chaltén, the undisputed national capital for trekking. Nestled within the spectacular embrace of Los Glaciares National Park, the drive circumnavigates the glittering glacier lakes of Argentino and Viedma, taking around 3.5 hours to reach Argentina's youngest town. After a chance to freshen up you'll enjoy dinner later at the house of famed Danish pioneer, Andreas Madsen.
DAY 3: EL CHALTEN
DAY 3: EL CHALTEN
Waking refreshed this morning the adventure begins with a full day's hike up to the giant geographical fault of Pliegue Tumbado. A relatively gentle introduction to your Patagonian trekking adventure, the trail leads up through the park's World Heritage landscapes, decorated with ancient fossils and some breathtaking 360-degree views across the rugged granite peaks and dazzling glaciers of the vast South Patagonian Ice Field. Returning via the same route, this evening has been left free to explore the town at your own pace.(20km/800m alt gain/approx. 7 hours)
DAY 4: EL CHALTEN
DAY 4: EL CHALTEN
A short drive this morning is followed by a gentle walk up through the forest towards the beautiful lake of Laguna de los Tres. Today's hike has it all; glacial valleys, endemic forests, lagoons and bewitching glaciers. The final 400-metre stretch is challenging, but the magnificent views of Mount Fitzroy, Aguja Poincenot and Cerro Torre more than make up for it. After an unbelievably scenic lunch stop, the trail back down then takes you past the crystalline waters of Laguna Capri, before the final descent down to El Chaltén.
(22km/800m alt gain/approx. 8/9 hours)
DAY 5: EL CHALTEN - PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
DAY 5: EL CHALTEN - PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
Beginning early this morning, the long, but ultimately spectacular, drive to Perito Moreno National Park takes you deep into the heart of some of Patagonia's wildest landscapes. The journey takes you along part of Argentina's legendary Ruta 40 and through towns that still feel a part of an undiscovered country. There will be a stop for lunch at rural spot along the way and the last section of the journey follows a gravel road into the park and on to the old sheep ranch that will be your home for the next three nights.
DAY 6: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
DAY 6: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
Founded nearly a century ago, the Perito Moreno National Park is home to the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Colorada. Wild and remote, these towering mountains stand sentry over some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in the Americas. Today you will hike around the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Belgrano which, set against the backdrop of some of the highest mountains in the area, is one of the most spectacular treks in the park.
(16km/200m alt gain/approx. 6/7 hours)
DAY 7: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
DAY 7: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
The plan today is to hike to the summit of Monte Leon to enjoy some truly spectacular panoramas across the Patagonian peaks and Lake Belgrano. Beginning at the trailhead next to your estancia, the path leads up past towering cliffs that are home to the mighty condor, one of the largest birds on the planet. It should take around four hours to reach the top, from where the views stretch out towards the snow-capped Andes and the Belgrano peninsula. Return to the ranch the same way. (B,L,D)
(10km/600m alt gain/approx. 5/6 hours)
DAY 8: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK - EL CALAFATE
DAY 8: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK - EL CALAFATE
Following breakfast you set out on the road once more, heading back towards El Calafate and the outside world. Stopping en route to break the long journey, you'll visit the site of some indigenous cave paintings close to Tres Lagos and enjoy a coffee break at an old inn at La Leona. The inn is built close to the site where, allegedly, Perito Moreno fought a puma by hand, and survived! You should arrive in El Calafate in time to relax and freshen up before a final Patagonian dinner this evening.
DAY 9: EL CALAFATE
DAY 9: EL CALAFATE
A trip to Patagonia would not be complete without visiting this immense glacier, one of Argentina’s most famous landmarks. After breakfast you will be picked up and taken out towards the Patagonian Andes, where Perito Moreno, amongst other glaciers, is located. Spanning 250 square kilometres and soaring out of the lake at over 60 metres, you’ll understand why this is glacier has become a symbol of Patagonia. Viewing the glacier from both the water and the walkways surrounding it, allows you to observe the natural wonder from all angles, hopefully catching the unforgettable moment a gigantic slab of ice calves from the glacier falling into the water below. For those interested, it is possible to trek on the glacier itself for around an hour and a half. You will then return to El Calafate, with a stop at the Glaciarium Interpretation Centre if you wish. Please note that the trek on Perito Moreno Glacier is not included and should be arranged at the time of booking.
DAY 10: EL CALAFATE - DEPART BUENOS AIRES
DAY 10: EL CALAFATE - DEPART BUENOS AIRES
This morning you will head back to the airport to catch your short flight to Buenos Aires where you will have a private guide and driver at your disposal for a few hours. You can explore some of the capital’s highlights and perhaps get a bite to eat in a fine steakhouse before returning back to the international airport for your evening flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Mine Hotel Boutique, Buenos Aires
Located in the heart of Palermo Soho, the eco-friendly Mine Hotel Boutique offers easy access to some the area's best restaurants and sights, as well as La Viruta, a great place to watch the traditional Argentine Tango. The upper mid-range boutique hotel has just 20 rooms, maintaining an intimate home-away-from-home atmosphere with excellent service, and the beautiful little patio garden and outdoor pool add to the charming oasis feel of the property. The en suite rooms are light and spacious and tastefully designed using natural materials, chic pastel colours and modern design, echoing the artsy style of the area which is home to an abundance of boutique shops and galleries. Guests can enjoy a substantial breakfast each morning, and can easily access many of the city's best cafes and restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner.
Hosteria Senderos, El Chalten
Located at the entrance to El Chaltén town below the imposing Mount Fitz Roy, sits Hostería Senderos, a simple chalet-style accommodation inspired by a 1920s farm. Throughout the boutique hotel and its 21 rooms you will find typical Patagonian-style décor. The rooms are comfortable and simply decorated with laminated flooring and wooden ceilings and furniture. There is an inviting wine bar, where wine can be paired with Patagonian dishes, and a packed lunch can be prepared for day hikes. The property also includes a cosy fireplace and lounge area.
Madre Tierra Boutique Hotel, El Calafate
This three-star boutique hotel has been open since 2013 and is ideally located just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, making the city easy to explore on foot. The hotel also has bicycles for hire for those wishing to venture further afield. The rooms are small and simple, yet cosy and stylish with an almost rustic charm, and with just six of them, the service is very personalised. Surrounding the hotel are plenty of drinking and dining options. Madre Tierra provides pleasant and comfortable accommodation to come back to after a day’s touring.
Estancia La Oriental, Perito Moreno National Park
Whilst visiting the isolated Perito Moreno National Park, Estancia La Oriental by far provides the most comfortable accommodation in the area with basic amenities, including hot water and heating. The humble family home consists of seven simple rooms, capable of housing 22 people and affords a great location for exploring the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of this backcountry, without having to carry complete camping equipment. Meals can be provided at an additional cost, however it is advisable to take snacks with you as, given the logistics involved, prices are correspondent to the convenience of having home-cooked meals in this secluded area of Patagonia.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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